Afrin nose spray contains oxymetazoline as its active ingredient. It is most often used to reduce symptoms of cold and allergies, including stuffy nose and difficulty breathing through the nose. Although Afrin nasal spray is available over the counter throughout the United States, the product is associated with side effects that range from mild to more serious.
Common Side Effects
The most frequent, mild side effects associated with Afrin use include sneezing, nasal irritation and runny nose. These effects usually stop after the nasal spray is discontinued and do not cause long-term problems.
Cardiac and Nervous System Effects
Oxymetazoline can affect the heart and blood pressure when too much is absorbed into the body. Dizziness, increased blood pressure, fast heartbeat, headache and vision problems are all possible with Afrin nasal spray use. In addition, adults and children may experience nervousness, anxiety, disrupted sleep or trembling. These effects occur most often in children and in adults taking the maximum suggested dosage (2 to 3 drops twice daily) each day.
Rebound Congestion
Oxymetazoline primarily works to improve breathing by constricting blood vessels in the nose instead of by treating the cause of the nasal symptoms, such as excess mucus. Because of this, the congestion and stuffy nose sensation will return even with continued Afrin use, usually within 3 to 5 days of starting the nasal spray. The rebound congestion is caused by blood vessels dilating in response to the continued and forced tightening. Rebound congestion often feels worse than the initial problem, is less easily treated and may take longer to resolve.
